Teotihuacan Tripod Cylindrical Vessel - PF.2361,Origin: Teotihuacan, Mexico,Circa: 200 AD to 750 AD,Dimensions: 7.25" (18.4cm) high x 5" (12.7cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Teotihuacan,Medium: Terracotta. Cylindrical vessels were the highly prized possessions of the wealthy Teotihuacan elite. Their use was both ceremonial and functional, representing the prestige of someone who could afford an artist with the skill to make such an object as this beautiful vessel. The rectangular legs are in relief form, as is the main body, done in white slip with touches of orange, especially along the middle and lower rims. One figure holds a spear and may be related to the Storm god. Such panels on vessels imitate wall murals intended to relate tales of mythology, serving as a pictorial method of instruction. Thus, the highest quality vessels could be seen as 'inspirational' works, as well as objects of aesthetic beauty. And even though Teotihuacan civilization has long vanished, we can still appreciate its culture through objects of art, which gave such pleasure to their original owners.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico